Wisconsin municipalities, including those in Rock County, are benefiting from a significant increase in state-shared revenue for 2024. Signed into law in 2023, Act 12 mandates that the additional funds be allocated to essential services such as law enforcement, fire protection, emergency medical services, and public works.
The first round of these enhanced payments was distributed in July, marking a pivotal moment for many communities, according to Gazzettextra.
In Janesville, the increased revenue—totaling $5.4 million for 2024—allowed the city to send three firefighters to paramedic school and purchase eight new police cars. However, Janesville Finance Director Dave Godek noted that, despite the boost, the city’s revenue still lags behind other similarly-sized cities.
Milton also saw a modest increase in its shared revenue, rising to just over $548,000. The funds have been used to address public works capital costs, support the Lakeside Fire and EMS District, and provide wage increases for public safety and public works employees. Without this increase, Milton City Administrator Paul Hensch warned that the city might have faced service reductions or cuts.
